Seventy-three days after raising and paying N30 million in ransom, the family of the abducted former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, says he remains in captivity with no support from authorities as his health continues to deteriorate.
The 70-year-old education administrator was kidnapped on Monday, September 29, 2025, along with a Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmed, and several other travellers on the New Bussa–Mokwa Road while on official duty to Minna.
Speaking to Daily Trust, his eldest son, Saifullahi Alhassan Bawa, revealed that the family had taken a N15 million bank loan, sold farm produce and gathered contributions from relatives and friends to meet the initial N30 million ransom demanded by the abductors. Despite paying the amount, the terrorists have now demanded an additional N120 million.
“I spoke with the abductors recently, and one of our aunties also spoke with them. They are mounting pressure on us. Our father spoke with us in tears, asking us to understand his plight. We were all crying,” he said.
Saifullahi added that his father, who is over 70 years old, relies on daily medication for hypertension and ulcer, raising fears about his wellbeing in captivity.
“This is beyond our control. We appeal to the Niger State Government to help secure his release. Even if it requires borrowing, we are ready to pay after he is freed. We already have a debt of N15m,” he said.
He also expressed concern that neither the police nor the state government had contacted the family since the incident, despite Niworo being on official duty when he was abducted.
“His car and documents are still at the Ibi Police Station. The family is already financially overstretched. We now rely on support from individuals to feed,” he added.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the police and military were working jointly across the state to rescue all abducted victims.
